Somerville land use committee recommends zoning change for 363 Highland Ave

The Somerville City Land Use Committee voted to recommend a zoning map amendment for 363 Highland Ave at a remotely held meeting; the committee’s roll call showed three members in favor and the item will await a Planning Board recommendation before the full City Council may take final action.

Twelve registered voters requested the amendment, which the clerk read as proposing changes from Midrise 4 to Midrise 5 for part of the property and from Midrise 4 to Midrise 6 for another portion. The committee’s Chair moved to recommend approval and the clerk recorded a three‑yes vote in favor; the committee therefore recommended the amendment to the full council.

Councilor Wilson said he was supportive and did not hear public opposition. “It seems very much in line with everything we always talk about in terms of land use,” Councilor Wilson said, adding he was eager to see the Planning Board’s recommendation. Leah Zannadasi, the Planning & Zoning liaison, told the committee that PPZ supports the amendment and confirmed the Planning Board had not yet issued its recommendation: “The Planning Board is still presenting on this item,” she said, and she reiterated that a Planning Board recommendation is required before the full council can vote on the amendment.

Councilor Saeed said he was supportive but inclined to wait for the Planning Board’s formal recommendation before a full council decision. The clerk called the roll for the committee recommendation; the recorded responses were: Councilor Saeed — yes; Councilor Wilson — yes; Councilor Mcgoughlin — yes. The transcript also records a recusal announced during roll call for Councilor Davis; the record shows Davis speaking later in the meeting.

The committee’s recommendation does not itself change the zoning; the Planning Board’s recommendation and subsequent full council consideration remain required next steps. The committee adjourned after brief closing remarks from members and staff.